Mumbai, December 23: According to a study carried out by the Environmental Working Group, based in Washington - beauty products such as mascara, eye shadow and foundation are unsafe for use as they have been found to contain chemicals that can be linked to conditions such as cancer, infertility and hormone imbalance.

The study conducted among young girls in the age group of 14-19 found all the beauty products used by them contained dangerous chemicals such as phthalates, triclosan, parabens and musks, all of which are harmful to the body. The study also suggested that the longer the usage of make-up in a younger girl, the higher the health risk.

These chemicals have been linked in the past to cancer and hormone problems and scientists fear they may end up be connected to depression as well.

Eye makeup, for example, contains chemicals that may affect the eyes in ways more than one:
Any of the ingredients of an eye cosmetic can cause an allergic reaction. This can manifest as redness, itching, tearing, burning or stinging in the eyes or a watery discharge from them.
Kohl, also known as surma or kajal, is known to contain heavy metals such as lead that are poisonous and may impact eye health hugely.

Infections can occur due to contamination of the eye cosmetic with bacteria or fungus, or due to unhygienic use.

Permanent dye, used to color the eyebrows and eye lashes, may cause serious and irreversible damage such as blindness if it comes in direct contact with the eyes, because of the color additives used.

Cosmetic applicators can cause physical damage if not used properly.

Stay skin healthy